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What Does Ralph Symbolize In Lord Of The Flies

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What Does Ralph Symbolize In Lord Of The Flies
In Lord of the Flies by William Golding a group of boys are stranded on an island and subjected to demanding circumstances. As they struggle to survive on the island we learn that there are unique ideas and feelings associated with each character that symbolizes a concept found in the outer world. Ralph who is a leader among the boys stranded on the island is used to symbolize order, leadership, and the traits of civilization. After meeting the boys on the island Ralph realizes that order is need to build a successful society and strives to maintain it, and thereby becomes an unwavering symbol of order. In the early stages of Lord of the Flies while the boys have their first meeting Ralph states, “We can’t have everybody talking all and once. …show more content…
From this it is possible to conclude that Ralph symbolizes civilization in Lord of the flies. Ralph first brings civilization to the island by trying to find a source of food and water, and by building a shelter. In a civilization people work together to achieve their needs and wants, Ralph brings this trait of civilization into the island when he instructs the boys to find food/ water, and help him with the shelter. We may also conclude that Ralph has and understanding of what a civilization encompasses. As the boys spend more time on the island Ralph discovers that their hair has grown and that they are clothed in rags. Unlike most of the boys Ralph notices that his appearance isn’t acceptable by the standards of a civilized society. By acknowledging this and attempting to correct his appearance Ralph shows us a trait of what we know as civilization. Throughout the final stages of the novel Jack begins to show acts of savagery and Ralph is repulsed. Ralph resolves to not live by the standards which Jack has set but to hold the standards to civilized Englishmen. By abiding to the laws of his previous home Ralph shows us standards that are a part of civilization. By attempting to fulfill the needs of a civilization and living with the standards of a civilization, Ralph becomes a prominent symbol of true …show more content…
He becomes a great force of order and establishes solid communication, safety, and logical reasoning on the island. He establishes the standards of a true civilization by fulfilling the needs of the boys and holding the standards of a civilization formed by Englishmen. And he exhibits the characteristics of true leadership by showing a capability to rule, ruling without fear, and assuring a solid bond between the boys. Ralph unfailingly holds true to these standards of order, civilization, and leadership, and shows us the true nature of these symbols and how we should hold their importance in

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